BY KARISSA MILLER
During Monday’s committee of the whole meeting, two Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education members responded publicly to media reports related to the board’s secret meetings by text message between December 2022 and April of 2023 — and a third member proposed opening discussions about allowing students to smoke at school.
Board member Doug Knight, who represents District 4, apologized for angering community members by participating in the long string of text messages, which included comments by board members on a wide variety of school topics. Other board members made comments in the text messages that were considered inappropriate by joking about student violence and LGBTQ advocacy.
“I think with each other we need to have some grace,” Knight said. “I think it would be good for society. I need to work on it. I get kind of passionate and wound up about things. I ask for grace for my mistakes. I will work really hard to give grace to others,” Knight said.
He reassured the public that he will not participate in any type of group text message that could teeter on any sort of impropriety.
Vice Chair Mike Kubiniec also addressed the topic during the portion of the meeting set aside for board member comments, stressing that he was speaking only for himself.
Kubiniec, who represents District 5, said that when he was running for school board, he was discredited by the media because he was “conservative in view in order for my opponents to win.”
He then explained that the group text messages were set up so that Superintendent Jeff James could keep the board informed on need-to-know items that happen in the schools.
“We would sometimes banter back and forth on topics, both personal and related to school topics. This is not prohibited activity. I can assure you we did not, nor never intended to run a secret meeting,” he said.
“We never convened to review issues before the board or discussed how we would vote on a matter. Never discussed policy or other funding decisions or the like,” he added.
Throughout his nearly six-month tenure on the board, Kubiniec has regularly said that he is the victim of the news media during board meetings.
“Did we illegally violate law to hold meetings outside of public view? No. In my heart, I do not believe we did,” Kubiniec said. “But I believe we learned a valuable lesson because of all of this.”
North Carolina law prohibits a quorum of board members from meeting and discussing official business unless the board has provided notice of the meeting and then meets publicly in open session. State law makes no distinction between in-person meetings and meetings held electronically, according to an analysis by the UNC School of Government.
Sloan proposes debate about smoking in schools
Also during the public comment period, board member Brian Sloan broached the topic of allowing cigarette smoking at the high schools.
Sloan, who represents District 1, said that all of the classes before him could smoke in high school.
“My class never did get to smoke—not legally. I’m thinking, as a board, how do you feel about starting to smoke again at schools? Think about the pros and cons. You don’t have to report back to me,” Sloan said.
According to N.C. statute, every North Carolina school district is required to have a 100 percent tobacco-free school policy that prohibits the use of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes on campus and at school-related events for students, staff and visitors.
Related
Viewpoint: An Open Letter to the Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education
Viewpoint: This is what happens when voters elect partisan extremists to the school board
Letter to the Editor: Working at Statesville High School is a blessing
Let me get this straight…we have a school board member who thinks it might be a good idea to permit smoking in schools again? Any fiscal conservative should be able to recite the long-term healthcare costs (to all of us) associated with the carcinogens in tobacco products of any kind.
I think allowing smoking on School Campuses should not be permitted. That’s a step backwards in trying to promote a healthy society.
Not saying this right, but I personally believe he was comparing it to the LGBTQ and trans community. Just my thoughts, but I’m sure we will get clarification next week along with tears and a sermon.
I think so too. Trying to set up a gotcha moment. Yearning to be seen as clever.
The blame should be placed solely on the morons who voted for these stupid idiots.
Voters please remember this when it comes time to vote for School Board members!!!
I listened once again to the comments from the BOE members and Dr. James. I call BS.
Dr. James, I agree with the idea and goal to rapidly inform the BOE members with pertinent information regarding the happenings within the school system. I can agree additional communication regarding the information may be required. That information should be factual and should not include “banter” from the members. Should the situation require discussion convene a meeting (a conference call or video chat that should be recorded) that is then made available to the public. If you have something to say about schools, teachers, students, government and taxpayers make sure it is what you would say face to face with any and all individuals within those groups.
Dr. Knight: You gave a great definition of grace. I applaud you for that. I hope you will follow through on your promise to give grace as much as you ask for it. You said the BOE should not come close to breaking the law, but how in good conscience can you say that when one of the first thing this board did was to break the law when voting on the school calendar for next school year? The words spoken by the BOE and the actions taken are often not in alignment.
Mr. Kubiniec: You are the worst offender on the board with words and actions not being in alignment. You have agenda that you are determined to push. You have previously said you are willing to push and challenge the boundaries so you do. You have a blatant disregard and disdain for anyone who will not take your words to heart and wantonly follow you. You have yet to demonstrate a sincere interest in any student or parent. You only want what you want.
Mr. Sloan: You are in areas way over your head. Please save yourself, students, parents and taxpayers of Iredell County and resign. How could you possibly bring up the idea of allowing smoking or tobacco use (or other substances) on any campus in the I-SS system? I know for a fact that North Iredell had health classes when you were a student. Did you attend any? If school shootings aren’t concerning enough, now we want to subject students and faculty members to known carcinogens, and once again break laws already in place for the public’s protection. You also have demonstrated a blatant disregard for any other than yourself.
To the remaining unnamed board members, you leave me speechless and not in a good way. Mr. Kelly: Please stop with the jokes. I know the current school board members are a bunch of clowns. They are the scary ones — not funny ones.
Agreed. Well written. Voters, whether you have school age children or not, be mindful of who you are voting for to entrust the well-being of our schools (students/faculty/staff) to – these are the very schools that produce the students that may determine your future living conditions/finances/healthcare, etc.
This is the most unprofessional group of clowns ever assembled. Dr. James should get out before his reputation is ruined.
Instead of trying to play gotcha with the media, maybe the board should focus on doing their job.
And yes, “Captain K” this is my real name.
“My class never did get to smoke—not legally. I’m thinking, as a board, how do you feel about starting to smoke again at schools? Think about the pros and cons. You don’t have to report back to me,” Sloan said.””
Leadership in action?
Remember all of this when you go to the polls to vote. Clean house! These people don’t care about our children. They are feeding their egos!
When hospitals, businesses and restaurants have banned smoking, why would you allow young people to do smoke at schools. They can’t even legally buy cigarettes and you want to let them smoke on campus?
Such an embarrassment.
Keep Charles Kelly and make all the others go.
He’s the only mature and logical one.
NOPE!!
This board is a disgrace!!!
Also, several of these school members look like they are well beyond the age of having school children. What is their big interest in dictating how children should be educated or valued in their community? Their actions tell me they are way out of touch with today’s youth.
Get them a tee time and send them where they will better fit in.
Cryin’ Brian (aka the Marlboro Man) has something up his sleeve and it ain’t a pack of Marlboro Reds.
Yes!